The Purpose of Aikido
An end-of-year reflection, by Cathy Okada “I felt more out of control.” A student had just provided the right kind of energy as uke to her training partner, no pulling back and no rushing ahead. As a result, she took some good ukemi and paradoxically was more in...
The “S” Word
Written by Cathy Okada In the West (or at least in the UK) we all know what a sensei looks like; an elderly Asian man with a white beard. Mr Miyagi and Pai Mei spring to mind. And of course Ueshiba Morihei, O Sensei himself. People are so fixed on O Sensei's image...
Back on the Aikido Path
Back on the Aikido Path: A Gyodokan student's reflection on returning to training after years away. Written by Pete Roythorne I’ve been in or around Aikido for close to 30 years now . In that time I’ve had a long absence from training. But even while exploring other...
No Beginning and No End
Picture: Cathy Okada & Ivan Melo at Kōshōji in Uji, in 2023 on the anniversary of their Jukai ceremony. Written by Cathy Okada"Very great congratulations on your Jukai and really happy to join you on the Way without beginning or end!” A zen teacher and fellow...
A Year of Gyodokan
A reflection, written by Ivan Melo, September 2024 As we return to training after our short summer break, with great memories and sharpened skills from the Aikido of London summer camp, we can’t help but to also remember it’s been a year since Gyodokan opened its...
Aikido Styles
Written by Ivan Melo In the world of Aikido, it has become extremely popular to talk about styles. The most common one, is considering a political entity or institution a “style”. “They are Aikikai”, “he is from Iwama”, “she does Tomiki” and so on. Also often...
Contact
St Matthew's Church Hall, North Common Road, Ealing W5 2QA (no mail by post)
Hours
Mondays
5:20pm-6:20pm: Children's programme
6:30pm-7pm: Zazen
7:10pm-8:30pm Aikido (Adults)
Tuesdays:
7pm-8pm: Aikido (Adults & 16+)
8pm-9pm: Weapons
Thursdays
7pm-8pm: Aikido (Adults & 16+)
8pm-9pm: Aikido (Adults)